Cofepris: 2609142002A00265 · Prof: 12588976 · Esp: 15595809 · CNN-2102
For travelers & visitors

Breathing trouble while visiting Mexico City?

A pulmonologist who speaks English, in a central location, with same-day and video options. Help for altitude breathlessness, asthma and COPD flares, and managing conditions you brought with you.

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English-speaking 5.0 · 37 Google reviews Trained at the INER Central Benito Juárez
2,240 m7,350 ft, one of the world's highest large cities
25% less O2in each breath than at sea level
Same-dayvisits often available, in person or video

Altitude plus variable air quality can mean real breathlessness, a tight chest or an asthma/COPD flare. You don't have to wait until you're home to get it checked.

Why the altitude can take your breath away

See the full altitude & breathing guide →

When to seek care quickly

  • Shortness of breath at rest, or that doesn't ease after resting
  • Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating or nausea
  • Blue-tinged lips or fingertips
  • Coughing up blood, or a high fever with breathlessness
  • An asthma or COPD flare not responding to your rescue inhaler
  • Severe headache, confusion or vomiting at altitude

In an emergency in Mexico, call 911. The advice below is for non-emergency situations.

Travelling with asthma or COPD

Keep your controller going

Don't stop your daily (preventer) inhaler on arrival; altitude and pollution are exactly when you want baseline control intact.

Carry your rescue inhaler on you

In your pocket, not the checked bag or hotel. Cold air, exertion at altitude and smog are common triggers.

Ran out, or it's not enough?

We review your regimen and arrange an appropriate plan; bring a photo of your current inhalers and doses.

Bring your records

A recent spirometry, medication list or doctor's note lets us pick up where you left off.

How to see the doctor, three easy ways

1 · WhatsApp (+52)

Message in English with your symptoms and dates; we'll suggest the soonest option and what to bring.

2 · In person

Central office in Benito Juárez, same-day visits often available. A first visit is US$99 for international patients.

3 · Teleconsultation

See the doctor by video from your hotel or home: refills, follow-up, test interpretation. Learn more →

Who treats you

Your specialist doctor

Dr. William César Lara Vázquez, pulmonologist trained at the INER, Mexico City

Dr. William César Lara Vázquez

Pulmonologist (Neumólogo) · Advanced COPD specialization (in progress)
  • Pulmonology: National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico's national referral center.
  • 500+ pulmonology consultations personally handled in 2025 in Mexico City, each with a treatment plan explained to the patient.
  • Advanced COPD specialization in progress: ongoing clinical training in obstructive lung disease.
  • Current board certification by the Consejo Nacional de Neumología (CNN-2102).
  • Clinical practice at Hospital Santa Coleta, with spirometry, FeNO, home sleep testing and pleural procedures interpreted directly.
Cédula Prof. 12588976 Cédula Esp. 15595809 CNN-2102 Cofepris 2609142002A00265
Full profile →  ·  How to get there →

Frequently asked questions

I feel breathless since I landed, is that normal?
Mild breathlessness, a faster heartbeat and broken sleep in the first 1–3 days are common at this altitude and usually settle. Breathlessness at rest, chest pain, blue lips or a flare that won't respond to your inhaler are not normal, seek care.
Can you help if I just need an inhaler refill?
Yes. Bring a photo of your current inhaler(s) and doses; after a brief review we can arrange an appropriate plan. A teleconsultation is often enough.
Will my international insurance reimburse the visit?
We provide an itemized receipt you can submit to most travel and international health insurers. Payment is at the time of service.
Do you speak English well enough for a medical visit?
Yes, the consultation, your questions and your plan are all handled in English.
How do I get there from the main tourist areas?
The office is in Benito Juárez, central and well-connected to Roma–Condesa, Polanco, Del Valle and the Insurgentes corridor. The map is on the location page.

Don't wait for it to get worse

Get your breathing checked before it spoils your trip

One visit with an English-speaking pulmonologist, in person or by video.

Book a visit
English-speaking 5.0 · 36 reviews Central Benito Juárez

Educational information reviewed by Dr. William César Lara Vázquez. It does not replace an in-person consultation, diagnosis or treatment. In a respiratory emergency in Mexico, call 911. Your personal and health data are handled under Mexico's LFPDPPP; see the privacy notice.

Información educativa revisada por el Dr. William César Lara Vázquez; no sustituye la consulta, el diagnóstico ni el tratamiento médico.

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